Webster University

07/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 03:01

Webster University’s PHAGE Summer Camp: An Insight to the World of Bacteriophages

Webster University's PHAGE Summer Camp: An Insight to the World of Bacteriophages

August 07, 2024

Two students work with lab equipment in Webster University's Interdisciplinary Science Building. Mary Lai Preuss and Victoria Brown-Kennerly teach a differentiated curriculum as each group works together at their own pace and timeline to find phages.

Webster University's Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in the College of Science and Health recently hosted an engaging summer research camp for high school students as part of the SEA-PHAGES program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This initiative introduced young minds to the fascinating world of microbiology, focusing on bacteriophages - viruses that infect bacteria. The camp is also supported in part by Bayer, supporting an expanding, inclusive STEM pipeline from education to career.

Led by Professors Mary Lai Preuss and Victoria Brown-Kennerly, along with undergraduate biology teaching assistants Grant Williamson and Nicholas Klotz, the camp took place in the Interdisciplinary Sciences Building. The program provided students with hands-on experience in microbiology laboratory techniques and students took part in a national, authentic scientific research project. The camp's immersive approach left a lasting impression on many students.

"I went into the camp thinking it would be like school," one attendee shared. "I have no background in this section of biology and I thought I would be behind all of the other students. But I was wrong, it was a really immersive and hands-on experience where I made new friends with the same interests, while also learning key lab skills."

Throughout the camp, participants isolated numerous bacteriophages from environmental samples. A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to visualize their newly discovered bacteriophages using transmission electron microscopy at Washington University, under the guidance of Wandy Beatty.

Four of the phages discovered by students at Webster's phage camp. Each student has the opportunity to name their new virus.

Meanwhile, the excitement of discovery was palpable among the students.

"This experience was so much cooler than what I expected," shared a PHAGE camp attendee. "I'm so happy that I got to find and name my own phage! It was so cool and so much fun, thank you so much!"

"I really appreciate that the instructors show passion for the work they are teaching their students," said a PHAGE camp attendee. "The professors were very passionate in what they do and were very helpful throughout the week."

The SEA-PHAGES program, which Webster University biology professors have been part of since 2016, continues to make significant contributions to microbial research. By engaging young students in this field, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists, expand our understanding of microscopic yet influential organisms and encourage students to consider future careers in research.

"The PHAGE Camp was fantastic and exceeded my expectations in every possible way," shared a student participant. "I loved the research that we were doing and learning about its impact on real projects in the scientific community."